Background: Oral candidosis is a common fungal infection among denture wearers, often associated with poor denture hygiene and the colonization of Candida species on denture surfaces.The present study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect of low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) varnish on oral candidosis in denture wearers, compared to nystatin ointment.Methods: This study is a single-blind (patients blinded) Parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Eligibility criteria were denture wearers with Newton’s type II denture stomatitis, no systemic diseases, and no recent antifungal use. The study was done in Dental clinics in Kerman, Iran. The 34 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups: 18 (patienchitosan), 16 (nystatin). LMWC varnish (10% wt. in ethanol-rosin base) or nystatin ointment was applied 4 times daily for 2 weeks to the denture inner surface. Primary outcomes were reduction in palatal erythema (clinical) and fungal count (blastospores/mycelia per 100 epithelial cells, microscopic(. A palatal smear for microbial assay was obtained before and after treatment. Low molecular weight chitosan varnish was prepared by dissolving chitosan in ethanol (30% wt.). Data were analyzed using the Chi-square and t-test.Results: No harms were reported in the study. The study showed that chitosan varnish has positive effects on the treatment of oral candidosis in comparison with Nystatin. It made a significant decrease in erythema in clinical view and fungi count in microscopic view. Differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The results of this study and other biochemical chitosan benefits showed that chitosan could be a good substitute for the treatment of oral candidosis.
Background: Hyperdontia and hypodontia are two tooth number anomalies that often cause esthetic and functional problems. Early detection is the key to more effective treatment. This research set out to estimate the aggregated prevalence of tooth number anomalies in Iran. Methods: International databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science, and Iranian databases including Magiran (Magiran.com) and Idml.research.ac.ir were systematically searched for cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of hyperdontia and hypodontia until December 2025. The random effects model was used to derive the combined prevalence estimate of each anomaly. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the sources of heterogeneity. Results: The prevalence of each anomaly was estimated by the meta-analysis of 14 eligible studies regarding hyperdontia and 17 studies about hypodontia. The estimated prevalence of hyperdontia and hypodontia was 1.2% and 6.0% in Iran, respectively. Meta-regressions showed a significantly higher prevalence of hyperdontia in males, but hypodontia prevalence showed no association with sex. An insignificant reduction in the prevalence of both anomalies was noted over time. No significant correlation was found between age and hyperdontia, but hypodontia prevalence decreased with advancing age. In both anomalies, the maxilla was more involved than the mandible. Also, most patients with hypodontia had Angle’s class II malocclusion. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of hyperdontia and hypodontia was 1.2% and 6.0%, respectively, in the Iranian population. Moreover, considerable heterogeneity was observed in the prevalence of both anomalies.
Background: Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) generally experience poorer overall health. This study aimed to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL) of children aged 3 to 6 years old with CHD in Kerman province.Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study included 254 children (127 healthy controls and 127 children with CHD). Data were collected by recruiting the Persian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (F-ECOHISS). The questionnaire assesses how oral health affects the daily routines of both children and their families. A higher score means a greater negative impact, more dental problems, and a lower OHRQOL. A clinical oral examination was also performed, and the DMFT index was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 through t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and linear regression, with a significance level set at 0.05.Results: The mean OHRQOL score was 9.77 among healthy children versus 15.50 among the CHD group (P = 0.001). The mean DMFT index was 4.50 in the CHD group and 2.37 in the healthy group (P = 0.0001). Older age was significantly associated with poorer OHRQOL in both groups (P = 0.0001). Higher paternal education level was significantly linked to worse OHRQOL only in the CHD group (P = 0.011). Among affected children, the non‑cyanotic subgroup showed a significantly higher DMFT than the cyanotic subgroup (P = 0.005).Conclusion: The findings indicate that children with CHD have significantly lower OHRQOL and a higher DMFT index compared to healthy peers. These findings highlight the need for targeted oral health intervention programs for children with CHD.
Background: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) represents a qualitative developmental defect of the enamel that most commonly manifests in the permanent first molars, with possible extension to the permanent incisors. Several studies have investigated MIH across different regions of Iran. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the overall prevalence of MIH in Iran. Methods: Scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science, as well as Iranian databases including Magiran (Magiran.com) and Idml.research.ac.ir, were searched until April 2025. Studies with a cross-sectional design on the prevalence of MIH were included. To calculate the pooled prevalence, random effects models were used. Assessment of heterogeneity was performed using meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Results: Fourteen eligible studies were included in the quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence of MIH in Iran was calculated at 21.6% (95% CI, 15.5 to 27.7%). The prevalence was 23.5% (95% CI, 12.8 to 34.2%) in girls and 22.4% (95% CI, 15.9 to 24.9%) in boys. According to meta-regression, MIH prevalence increased with increasing age, but this was not statistically significant (P=0.518). Conclusion: We observed high heterogeneity in the reported prevalence of MIH among the primary studies. MIH is a widespread dental condition in Iran, with a pooled prevalence of 21.6%, which appears higher than the global prevalence. Therefore, it is necessary to improve dental healthcare providers’ awareness regarding this condition and to consider MIH during routine dental examinations.
Background: Evaluation of proximal contacts in primary teeth is crucial, as variations in contact morphology influence caries susceptibility and the maintenance of arch integrity. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of OXIS contact areas between primary molars using intraoral photographic records among 5-8-year-old schoolchildren in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh. The OXIS classification provides a systematic approach for evaluating interproximal morphology in primary dentition and can be considered an important caries risk factor in primary molars. Methods: Two schools were selected using convenience sampling. After obtaining informed consent, intraoral camera images of caries-free proximal contacts in all quadrants were obtained. Two calibrated examiners independently assessed contact types based on the OXIS classification. Data were analyzed to determine the prevalence and distribution of contact types with respect to age, gender, and dental arch. Results: A total of 399 proximal contact areas in 156 children were examined. The overall distribution of OXIS contacts was: I-type (46.1%), S-type (29.8%), X-type (22.3%), and O-type (1.7%). Significant differences in contact type distribution were observed between maxillary and mandibular arches and across age groups. A decreasing trend in O-type contacts and increasing frequencies of I-and X-type contacts were observed with advancing age, particularly between 6 and 7 years. Conclusion: I-type contact was the most prevalent, followed by S-type, X-type, and O-type. The age-related shift in contact morphology highlights the importance of monitoring proximal contacts during mixed dentition, as they have implications for caries risk, space maintenance, and occlusal development. These findings provide valuable epidemiological evidence to guide preventive strategies and pediatric dental care.
Background: The prevalence of untreated dental caries (UDC) is a critical indicator in dental public health. This study evaluated four techniques to estimate UDC prevalence: (1) overall prevalence, (2) average individual prevalence, (3) generalized estimating equations (GEE), and (4) random effects models (REM). Methods: A simulation study generated hypothetical populations under two scenarios, with intraclass correlation values of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2: Scenario 1: UDC prevalence (5%, 10%, 20%) independent of missing teeth; Scenario 2: UDC prevalence dependent on the number of missing teeth. Four estimation methods were compared: 1. Overall Prevalence Estimator: calculated as the total number of UDC divided by total teeth; 2. Average Individual Prevalence Estimator: mean of individual prevalence values, 3. GEE: logistic regression with participant-level clustering effects, 4. REM: random effects logistic regression modeling prevalence at both the individual and tooth levels. Performance was assessed using mean squared error (MSE), bias, confidence interval (CI) coverage, and CI length. For practical implications, the simulation study results were applied to estimate the UDC in Phase III of the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study (KERCADRS). Results: When UDC was independent of missing teeth, GEE and the average individual prevalence methods yielded the most reliable estimates (lower MSE and higher CI coverage). When UDC depended on missing teeth, no method performed optimally. However, GEE achieved comparatively better results. Analysis of the KERCADRS data showed a significant correlation between the number of UDC and the number of missing teeth (r = 0.15, P < 0.001). Accordingly, the UDC estimated using the GEE method was 26.3% (95% CI: 25.9%, 26.8%). Conclusion: In contexts where UDC and missing teeth are uncorrelated, GEE and average individual prevalence methods are recommended. When dependencies were present, the GEE method performed slightly better than the other methods. UDC prevalence in Kerman is high, and urgent action is needed to address it.
Background: Studies have emphasized the correlation between palatal rugae patterns and various phenomena, confirming their value as prognostic indicators for the emergence of related disorders. This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the correlation between the rugae pattern and the anomalies in tooth number (particularly hypodontia) in a group of Iranian individuals. Methods: The study divided 120 individuals into two categories based on tooth number: the control group, with a normal number of teeth, and the case group (hypodontia), those who had fewer teeth than normal. The rugae patterns were classified using the Modified Thomas and Kotze classification and Hauser classification, and their identification of the type of rugae pattern was done using both manual and non-manual methods. In addition, panoramic photographs were employed to determine the number of teeth. Data analysis was done using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and one-way ANOVA. Results: In this study, wavy rugae were the most prevalent pattern. Additionally, it was found that molars were the most frequently missing teeth in the case group. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the presence of left-diverging (P = 0.02) and right-diverging patterns (P = 0.03), such that individuals with a right-diverging pattern had a 2.3-fold likelihood, and those with a left-diverging pattern had a 0.4-fold likelihood of developing hypodontia. Conclusion: Individuals who have a right-diverging pattern are more likely to develop hypodontia, while those who have a leftdiverging pattern are more likely to have normal dentition.
Background: Drug addiction is one of the most challenging and complex health issues, with direct adverse consequences, including mental disorders, depression, and various physical problems. It also impacts oral and dental health. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of oral health on the quality of life of individuals with substance use disorders seeking maintenance methadone therapy (MMT) at MMT centers in Kerman City in 2024. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shahid Beheshti Psychiatric Hospital and MMT centers in Kerman City in 2024. Data were collected from 203 individuals with a history of substance use disorder using a structured questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographic and contextual information, the Persian version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), and an assessment of health service needs and barriers to oral health promotion among individuals with addiction. Results: The mean OHIP-14 score was 27.9, indicating a significant negative impact of poor oral health on daily life, particularly in the psychological and physical domains. The most prevalent barriers to accessing dental care among individuals with addiction were the cost of services (70%) and a lack of perceived need for care (35%). The highest reported need was for treatment of tooth decay (72%). Conclusion: The average OHIP-14 score obtained in this study indicates a substantially poor oral health status among the participants. Therefore, it is imperative to enhance oral and dental health services for individuals with addiction, as well as to implement policies that promote oral and dental health within this population, to improve their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL).
Background: This study compared the oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) of edentulous patients receiving implant-retained mandibular overdentures and conventional complete dentures. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021 in Kerman, Iran, involving 40 edentulous patients who attended Kerman Dental School and private prosthodontic clinics. Half of the participants were treated with conventional mandibular complete dentures, and the other half received mandibular implant-supported overdentures. All participants completed the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire before treatment and three months after receiving their prostheses. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent-samples t-test, paired-samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA, with a significance level set at P< 0.05. Results: The OHIP-EDENT scores significantly improved after treatment in both groups (P < 0.05), indicating an enhanced OHQoL. However, the overdenture group demonstrated significantly higher post-treatmentOHIP-EDENT scores compared to the conventional denture group (P < 0.05). The number of implants (two, three, or four) did not significantly affect the total or domain-specific OHIP-EDENT scores (P > 0.05). Participants with non-splinted overdentures reported less favorable outcomes in psychological distress, physical disability, handicap, and total OHIP-EDENT scores compared with those using splinted overdentures (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Patients treated with mandibular implant-retained overdentures reported greater satisfaction and better OHQoL than those with conventional dentures. While the number of implants did not influence outcomes, splinting the fixtures substantially improved OHQoL and overall patient satisfaction.
Background: Tobacco use is one of the major public health issues worldwide and affects both oral and general health. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in India employs a predominantly young workforce, which may be at a higher risk of tobacco initiation and dependence due to occupational stress and lifestyle-related factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and related oral health problems among BPO employees in Chennai, India. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 229 BPO workers from Chennai, India, in 2023. The study was carried out using a pretested structured questionnaire to collect information on demographic factors, use of tobacco in any form, and self-reported oral health problems. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26, employing chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariable logistic regression (P < 0.05). Prevalence rates were estimated, and associated oral health effects were identified based on the analyzed data. Results: The prevalence of tobacco use was 85%, and gingival bleeding was significantly higher among night-shift workers (P=0.013), with the majority using smoking forms of tobacco. Conclusion: The study highlights an alarmingly high level of tobacco use in this population and indicates that a significant burden of oral disease exists among tobacco users. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted health promotion strategies within the BPO sector. Worksite interventions focusing on preventive oral health education, routine dental check-ups, and access to tobacco cessation services are imperative to curb tobacco use and mitigate associated health risks. Immediate implementation of such programs is critical to prevent further oral and systemic health complications in this vulnerable workforce.
Background: Oral reactive lesions are frequent lesions with similar clinical features. The present study aimed to determine the frequency of oral reactive soft tissue lesions and their correlation between clinical and histopathological features. Methods: In this retrospective study archives of oral pathology were reviewed. Data collected through a checklist includes patient demographic variables (gender, age), lesion location, and clinical and histopathologic diagnosis. Data was analyzed in SPSS26 software with chi2, T, and kappa co-efficient tests. P values were considered at 0.05. Results: In the present study, the frequency of oral reactive lesions was 108(16.4%). The most frequent lesions were irritation fibroma and pyogenic granuloma with forty-two cases for each lesion. Gingivae and buccal mucosa were the most frequent sites respectively. Women had significantly more oral reactive lesions. The first clinical diagnosis was irritation fibroma. The correlation between clinical and histopathologic diagnosis based on the kappa coefficient was 0.623. The most and the lowest consistent clinical diagnoses with the histopathological diagnosis were epulis fissuratum and peripheral ossifying fibroma respectively. Conclusion: The most frequent lesions were irritation fibroma and pyogenic granuloma. Gingivae and buccal mucosa were the most frequent sites respectively. Women had significantly more reactive lesions-the correlation between clinical and histopathologic diagnosis was 0.623. The understanding of clinical features of soft tissue oral reactive lesions helps to achieve a clearer clinical diagnosis and may contribute to adequate treatment and positive prognosis.
Background: Community oral health (COH) courses have been integrated with the educational program in Iranian dental schools since the 1980s. The present study examined and described current COH delivery among Iranian dental schools. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire previously designed for a similar study in Europe, which was modified to be compatible with dental education in Iran. In early 2021, with the cooperation of the Council for Dental Education of the Iranian Ministry of Health, an invitation letter containing the survey link of the modified questionnaire was mailed to the deans of all Iranian dental schools. Reminder calls were made after 6 and 12 weeks. After 20 weeks, the link was closed, and no further responses were accepted. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Thirty-six deans of dental schools responded to the invitation (an 84% response rate). Half of the schools had COH departments, and COH PhDs headed the majority of the departments. The most prevalent academic rank among the heads of COH departments was assistant professor (56%). COH courses were dispersed throughout all six years of undergraduate programs, and COH PhDs (59%) and Community Medicine PhDs (47%) most commonly delivered COH courses. The most popular teaching methods were lectures (100%), outreach visits (77.8%), and online courses (72.2%). Most schools reported that they taught all six domains of COH, including philosophy and approach, public health and demography, health promotion, disease prevention and health care systems, dental workforce, and health planning. Conclusion: More than half of the dental schools had COH departments and used qualified teachers to teach their courses using well-developed programs and acceptable methods.
Background: Oral self-examination refers to looking for symptoms of disease in the mouth. Studies carried out so far in the field of Mouth Self-examination (MSE) have mentioned this technique as a way to screen for precancerous and cancerous lesions. The current study was aimed at examining the patterns of MSE of the oral mucosa in patients referred to the oral medicine department. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 patients. The questionnaire employed in this study included 21 items related to demographic characteristics and MSE patterns, and was finally analyzed by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests after confirming the validity and reliability of the questionnaires, as well as the data obtained from completing the questionnaires. Results: The majority of respondents were female (60.6%), and 97.5% of them had at some point performed MSE. In 75.2% of cases, MSE was performed through observation in the mirror, with 91.9% of patients noticing changes in their mouths. After discovering changes in their mouths, 87.6% of them experienced anxiety, and 59.6% thought of the possibility of cancer in the mouth. It should be noted that only in 13% of the examined patients did the final diagnosis confirm the presence of a malignancy. There was a significant relationship between the respondents' personal perception of their depression or anxiety and thinking about the possibility of mouth cancer (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The present research may be considered a preliminary study, the results of which introduce intermittent and frequent MSE as a possible factor for the occurrence or exacerbation of anxiety and cancerphobia in patients for the first time, and its confirmation necessitates further studies. Furthermore, since the patients of this community perform MSE at a higher-than-expected percentage, future studies are recommended to investigate the participants' psychological profiles.
Background: Ischemic heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide among adults. Pain originating from the heart may manifest in the maxillofacial area because cardiac pain signals converge onto the pathways of the trigeminal nerve. There is a lack of comprehensive research in the dental and cardiovascular fields on the frequency of ischemic myocardial pain presenting in the maxillofacial area. This study investigated the frequency distribution of referred maxillofacial pain in patients with ischemic heart disease at Afshar Hospital in Yazd, Iran, in 2024.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted at the Emergency Ward of Afshar Heart Hospital in Yazd, utilized patients’ medical records to create a checklist. This checklist included demographic information such as age and gender, smoking status, and details related to pain, including the presence of pain referral and the location of the referred pain. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16, employing descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test.Results: A total of 369 patients with ischemic heart disease participated in the study, of which 31.20% experienced maxillofacial pain. No significant relationship was found between maxillofacial pain and gender (P = 0.687), age groups (P = 0.361), or smoking status (P = 0.983). The most commonly referred site was the mandible (48.2%), and the most common region was the left side (76.3%).Conclusion: Our study revealed that referred cardiogenic pain in the maxillofacial region was relatively common, with the majority of cases occurring in the mandible and throat. The presence of maxillofacial pain was not significantly related to gender, age, or smoking. The most common pain referral sites were located in the mandible and were unilateral on the left side.
Background: Halitosis is a prevalent issue globally, causing economic burdens and diminishing quality of life, and often remains confidential due to social stigma. This survey aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and early signs of the condition among the Turkish population and dentists while also exploring hygiene habits, knowledge levels, and associated psychological aspects.Methods: A total of 1,181 participants (aged 19–78 [median 22], 681 female, 655 married, 601 dentists, 886 complained of halitosis) completed a self-administered, structured questionnaire with 91 questions on halitosis, along with the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. Results were compared with existing literature findings.Results: Seventy-five percent of the participants and 21.5% of dentists experienced halitosis at level 2 on a 5-point scale. Moreover, 40.3% of them experienced a bad taste. Halitosis was correlated with various factors, including tongue brushing (P=0.019), constipation (P=0.044), and lactose malabsorption (P=0.033). Gingival bleeding emerged as a significant symptom (P=0.003), correlating with soft brush use (P<0.05). In addition, 40.49% of dentists reported feeling insufficiently trained in halitosis, with 83.19% expressing inadequacy in examination or treatment. Furthermore, 29.4% of 286 individuals asserted unrealistic claims, likely indicative of subjective halitosis. Halitosis can cause anxiety or depression, with males being more affected by anxiety; both dentists (P=0.0184) and non-dentists (P=0.0092) who experienced halitosis reported higher anxiety levels compared to those who did not.Conclusion: This survey offers insights into the prevalence of halitosis and its associated factors, highlighting the need forcomprehensive management that includes psychological support and professional education on diagnosis and treatment.
Background: This study aims to evaluate the interdisciplinary consultation patterns between the Departments of Periodontology (DP) and Restorative Dentistry (DR) by retrospectively analyzing structured consultation request forms. The primary objective is to identify the most frequent reasons for referral and examine gender-based trends in interdepartmental collaboration.Methods: A total of 935 consultation request forms from patients treated at the Faculty of Dentistry, Erciyes University, between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Among these, 460 forms were submitted by the DR to the DP, and 475 by the DP to the DR. Variables extracted included the referring department, consultation reason, and patient gender. Requests were categorized into predefined clinical indications. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Pearson’s Chi-Square test and Bonferroni correction were applied to assess gender-related differences in consultation reasons.Results: The most frequent consultation reason from DR to DP was “scaling and curettage” (43.1%), and the most common predominant referral reason from DP to DR was for “tooth restoration assessment” (29.7%). Female patients were more frequently the subject of consultation requests (P < 0.05), indicating a significant gender difference in referral patterns.Conclusion: The results revealed that each department frequently relied on the other for procedures beyond its primary scope, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary coordination in comprehensive dental care. The identification of common consultation patterns has the potential to optimize patient management and improve collaboration between specialties.
